While takeoff favors the right for Chicago views, the landing approach into Hartford offers more sustained and dramatic geography on the left—the Connecticut River valley is a major visual feature throughout descent, and Hartford's downtown and surrounding landscape provide better visual interest than the relatively flat terrain on the right side during approach.
Flown MDW to HFD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Hartford is 777 miles (1,251 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Ohio and Pennsylvania at cruise altitude. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible as a dark linear feature if flying at lower altitudes or during descent into Pennsylvania), the Appalachian foothills becoming more pronounced as you move eastward, and scattered lakes and reservoirs across Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The landscape transitions from Midwestern agricultural plains to more forested, rolling terrain. Lake Erie is typically south of the direct routing but may be visible to the north depending on exact flight path. As you approach Connecticut, the Hudson River valley becomes visible, and the terrain becomes increasingly forested with visible suburban sprawl around New York City's northern exurbs.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan immediately after departure. Midway typically departs runways 31L/31R (westbound) or 4L/4R (eastbound); eastbound departures offer the best skyline view as you climb out over the lake.
Landing at HFD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Connecticut River valley and Hartford's downtown as you descend into Brainard. Hartford approaches typically use runways 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound); both offer good views of the river and city layout on the left side during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Hartford Brainard (HFD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Hartford. While takeoff favors the right for Chicago views, the landing approach into Hartford offers more sustained and dramatic geography on the left—the Connecticut River valley is a major visual feature throughout descent, and Hartford's downtown and surrounding landscape provide better visual interest than the relatively flat terrain on the right side during approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan immediately after departure. Midway typically departs runways 31L/31R (westbound) or 4L/4R (eastbound); eastbound departures offer the best skyline view as you climb out over the lake. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Trump Tower visible), Lake Michigan shoreline, Lakeshore Drive corridor, industrial areas of South Chicago.
What can I see when landing at Hartford Brainard in Hartford?
When landing at Hartford Brainard (HFD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Connecticut River valley and Hartford's downtown as you descend into Brainard. Hartford approaches typically use runways 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound); both offer good views of the river and city layout on the left side during descent. Notable sights include: Connecticut River (major visual reference), Hartford downtown skyline, Keney Park (large green space north of downtown), surrounding suburban sprawl and I-91 corridor.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Hartford?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Hartford Brainard (HFD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 777 miles (1,251 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Hartford flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Ohio and Pennsylvania at cruise altitude. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible as a dark linear feature if flying at lower altitudes or during descent into Pennsylvania), the Appalachian foothills becoming more pronounced as you move eastward, and scattered lakes and reservoirs across Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The landscape transitions from Midwestern agricultural plains to more forested, rolling terrain. Lake Erie is typically south of the direct routing but may be visible to the north depending on exact flight path. As you approach Connecticut, the Hudson River valley becomes visible, and the terrain becomes increasingly forested with visible suburban sprawl around New York City's northern exurbs.